The popularity of the anime Jujutsu Kaisen has led the Japanese government, especially in the Shibuya area, to take firm action. They have banned residents from celebrating Halloween, which falls on October 31, 2023.
They’ve also cited a deadly incident that happened in South Korea. What’s the story behind this crackdown?
No Halloween Revelry in Shibuya
The Shibuya City government has stepped up security measures in preparation for the upcoming Halloween celebration on October 31, 2023. Local officials have recently announced that street drinking prohibited.
The message also states that Shibuya will not host Halloween events and, therefore, urges the public not to gather in large numbers.
This move is suspected to be a result of the recent popularity of Jujutsu Kaisen, which is currently airing the Shibuya Arc where Gojo Satoru is sealed on Halloween night.
Due to the anime’s popularity, it’s very likely that the number of people coming to Shibuya on Halloween will significantly increase.
Another reason is the Japanese government’s fear that celebrants in Shibuya this year will surge and repeat the deadly Halloween tragedy in Itaewon, South Korea, in 2022.
Government’s Stern Stance: Shibuya is not the place for Halloween
In an interview with CBS News, Ken Hasebe, the Mayor of Shibuya, provided some insights into the reasons behind this decision.
The statement he conveyed was that Shibuya is not the place for Halloween events. Please do not come to the Shibuya station area.
Apart from the overcrowding issue, the Mayor shared details of another significant problem.
The situation is far more serious than just over-tourism. We’re talking about massive littering, incidents related to harassment, voyeurism, property damage, and other concerns.
In the past, Halloween celebrations in Shibuya have drawn massive crowds, and while many come to enjoy the festivities, the gatherings have often led to problems such as littering and unruly behavior.
Concerns About Safety
The decision to ban Halloween celebrations in Shibuya stems from concerns about public safety and the potential for incidents to occur during the festivities.
Mayor Hasebe expressed that their primary focus is on ensuring the well-being of both residents and visitors, while also preventing the negative consequences that have arisen in the past.
He also stressed that the Japanese government is working on alternative ways to celebrate these event, with a focus on safety and order. Details about these alternative plans will announced soon.
In essence, the government is taking this precautionary step to avoid any unfortunate incidents and keep everyone safe during the Halloween period.
